Picture Special: United train ahead of Liverpool clash

Manchester United face a pivotal end to the week – two good results and silverware is in sight; two bad results and the season could be nearly over already.

First comes a trip to Anfield on Thursday night. The late kick-off will be the first time United and Liverpool have ever come together in European competition. With it being a midweek game – and the first of two legs at that, the preparation will be different to that of a standard Premier League game between the two sides.

No matter what the result there, the hard work will start again on Friday – no rest for the wicked? United must be pure evil. One cup competition follows another as the Red Devils play host to West Ham United in the FA Cup on Sunday.

Enjoy our gallery of the team’s warm-up for a crunch weekend – with some pictures from Louis van Gaal’s press conference sandwiched in there too!